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H.R.4854 / 115th Congress

Justice Served Act of 2018

Became Public Law No: 115-257.

Official summary

Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 9, 2018

Justice Served Act of 2018

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to add, as a purpose area under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, increasing the capacity of prosecutors to address the backlog of violent crime cases involving suspects identified through DNA evidence. The Department of Justice (DOJ) must allocate a specified percentage of grant funds for such purpose, subject to limitations.

Additionally, of amounts made available over FY2019-FY2022 for a DNA analysis and capacity enhancement program and for other forensic activities, DOJ must allocate at least 5% for grants to prosecute cold cases involving violent crime, where suspects have been identified through DNA evidence.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31] · R–TX

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
15 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Became Public Law No: 115-257.

  2. Became Public Law No: 115-257.

  3. Signed by President.

  4. Signed by President.

  5. Presented to President.

  6. Presented to President.

  7. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  8. Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S6348-6349)

  9. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S6348-6349)

  10. Received in the Senate, read twice.

  11. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  12. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 377 - 1 (Roll no. 182). (text: CR H3945)

    House roll call 182 · Individual votes
  13. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 377 - 1 (Roll no. 182).(text: CR H3945)

    House roll call 182 · Individual votes
  14. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3956)

  15. At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  16. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4854.

  17. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3945-3947)

  18. Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

  19. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.

  20. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  21. Introduced in House

  22. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.4854 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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